Beyond the Joke

Comedian Mike Newall has been discharged from hospital and has thanked his fans, friends and family for their support after he suffered a brain haemorrhage while on holiday in Wales in August. Newall, who appeared on Britain's Got Talent in 2020, has posted the following on Instagram: "I don’t know how to begin to thank everyone for the love and support I have received during the last few weeks.

Comedian, performer and author Ruby Wax has unexpectedly cancelled dates on her An Evening With Ruby Wax tour. She announced the news on Instagram adding that this does not affect the Absolutely Famous tour - dates for that here. Wax posted the following: "I’m incredibly sorry to share some difficult news. Due to circumstances outside of my control, the remaining dates of my ‘An Evening With Ruby Wax’ tour will no longer be going ahead.

By Bruce Dessau on Absolute Radio Live is back at the London Palladium on Sunday 15th November 2026 – once again raising money and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK.

By Bruce Dessau on Saturday Night Live UK has announced the host and musical guest line‑up for the next two episodes of its second series. On 19 September, quadruple-BAFTA-winning comedy writer and actor Jamie Demetriou (Stath Lets Flats, The Moment)will be joined by a defining force in British rock, Royal Blood as musical guest. On 26 September, award-winning host, writer and producer Amelia Dimoldenberg (Chicken Shop Date) will be joined by acclaimed indie pop darling Rachel Chinouriri.

Podcast pioneer is to wind down his long-running Leicester Square Theatre Podcast interviews. He broke the news in his latest column after plugging his three upcoming shows with guests including, on 28th September, James Acaster and Isy Suttie. Herring continued: "You might also want to come because I am pretty certain that these will be the last three live RHLSTP shows I do. At the very least I am going to take a break from it, but I think it’s probably time to move on to do something else.

RBM, Northern Pictures and Chic Ken Productions present the 20th Anniversary screening tour of the critically acclaimed comedy documentary IT’S NICE UP NORTH . Graham Fellows’ much loved 2006 comedy documentary It’s Nice Up North stars his alter ego John Shuttleworth. The tour is also being presented as a tribute to the late Martin Parr, the celebrated photographer who shot the movie, and whose distinctive eye is central to the movie’s charm and enduring appeal.

Podcaster, author and comedian Andrew Hunter Murray revisits one of the most extraordinary media deceptions of the 20th century in a new ten-part series from The History Podcast, The Hitler Diaries Scandal, available on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio 4 from Monday 14 September. On 25 April 1983, the German magazine Stern announced it had discovered Adolf Hitler's long-lost diaries.

Small Prophets – the hit BBC comedy conjured up by Mackenzie Crook – is to return for a second series. Starring Mackenzie Crook, Sir Michael Palin, Pearce Quigley and Lauren Patel, series two will make the move from BBC Two to BBC One. The six-part series will be written and directed by Mackenzie (Detectorists, Worzel Gummidge) and produced by BAFTA-winning Gill Isles (Car Share, Alma’s Not Normal). It will be made by Treasure Trove Productions and Channel X North.

Murder They Wrote, the hit true crime podcast from BBC Sounds hosted by Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling, is returning for a new run of episodes as the series continues to grow its loyal audience of listeners. Since launching three years ago, the podcast has become a favourite among true crime fans, blending meticulous research with Laura and Iain's trademark chemistry and wit. Having released more than 150 episodes, the show recently expanded to two episodes a week in response to audience demand.

Saturday Night Live UK has announce the addition of actor and comedian Freddie Meredith (Such Brave Girls, Big Boys) to its cast list. Fresh off his Edinburgh Fringe debut with his Best Newcomer Award nominated comedy show Need a Light?, he joins the returning SNL UK ensemble: Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi and Paddy Young.